South Korea Sports Tourism Market Outlook (2022-2032)

[342 Pages Report] The South Korea sports tourism market is estimated to reach US$ 7,152 million in 2022. As per the report, demand for sports tourism in South Korea is forecast to increase at a robust 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period. Total revenue share in the South Korean sports tourism market share represents 10-12% of the global sports tourism market.

Attribute Details
South Korea Sports Tourism Market Estimated Size (2022) US$ 7,152 Million
South Korea Sports Tourism Market Value-based CAGR (2022-2032) 6.5%
South Korea Sports Tourism Market Top Players Share in 2021 12%-16%

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Opportunity in the Midst of the Chaos for South Korea Sports Tourism Market

The COVID-19 outbreak has harmed the demand for sports tourism in South Korea. However, as things return to normal and vaccination campaigns ramp up, sports tourism is expected to fully recover by 2022.

People are becoming more health-conscious, and it is expected that they will actively participate in sporting activities to fulfill their desire for a healthy and active lifestyle. When the situation improves and travel restrictions are lifted, sports tourism will regain momentum due to the global population's insatiable love and passion for sports boosting the South Korea sports tourism market opportunities.

Korea: An Asian Sport Tourism Hub

The South Korea sports tourism market is expanding due to a rise in the number of sporting events taking place in different states of South Korea, especially on Jeju Island, a semi-tropical island off the south coast.

New tournaments are being held in existing venues to attract more spectators, and new venues for existing tournaments are being established to attract more spectators, in order to broaden the reach and popularity of South Korea sports tourism market. As the number of sports tourists grows, so does the demand for more seating capacity at sporting venues around the world influencing the South Korea sports tourism market future trends.

As sports event venues can accommodate a larger number of visitors, larger seating capacities result in higher ticketing revenue generation. Increased revenue from tickets and sports packages will propel the South Korea sports tourism market opportunities forward. Many sports clubs and events are expanding their capacity to accommodate sports tourists. As a result, new tournaments held in existing venues will generate lucrative revenue for the South Korea sports tourism market.

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Sudip Saha

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South Korea has Organized/Hosted Various Mega-Events

  • The 1988 (Seoul Olympics), co-hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan, and the most recent hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. It promoted their socio-economic development with great local, regional, and global implications. It also acts as a catalyst for change, with job creation and development of skills through volunteerism.
  • These events include innovative or upgraded infrastructure, such as Korea’s Incheon International Airport, which opened in 2001 just before the opening of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and enormous investment in the expansive exhibition and conference halls equipped with advanced communication technology.

What Drives The Development Of The South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

  • Government Promotion:

Government is promoting major sports events to all corners of the country, widening economic development and raising awareness of zones beyond the capital city of Seoul, in order to encourage the South Korea sports tourism market. Additionally, the government is ensuring that the mass media have a reliable and balanced tourism description about the country to export internationally.

  • Achieving the Right to Host:

Winning the right to host a major sporting event offers a special opportunity to promote the South Korea sports tourism market, break down cultural stereotypes, and highlight the diversity of the nation in areas like the arts, culture, heritage, music, and dance.

  • Catalyst for Modification:

In addition to that, it acts as a catalyst for change with job creation and the development of skills through volunteerism and huge investment in expansive exhibition and conference halls equipped with advanced technology.

  • Incheon - Nearest International Gateway City:

After the capital city (Seoul), the nearest international gateway city is Incheon, which has seen huge expansion and aims to become one of the four top distribution hubs in the world, having been designated as a ‘free-economic zone’. One such great example is that it helped the country win the right to organize the 2014 Asian Games.

Market Driver Growing contribution to GDP and employment
Market Challenges Terrorism has a significant impact.
Market Development An increase in the number of sporting events

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How Policy R&D Assists in the Growth of South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

Developing new South Korea sports tourism markets by facilitating the convergence of sports and other industries, supporting small but strong sports companies in financing and management, and encouraging development of new technology by certifying R&D, are likely to promote South Korea sports tourism market share.

Policies Supporting South Korea Sports Tourism Market Share

  • The South Korean government set up the Korea Institute of Sport Science (KISS) in 1989. This institute was made with the primary reason to conduct scientific research in the field of basic and applied sports sciences. Based on implementing an institutional foundation for sports environment and policies, KISS has been actively developing sports policies to cope with the changes in the social environment and suggesting practical strategies and future perspectives.
  • Furthermore, KISS is making every endeavor to activate an amateur 'sports-for-all' movement by emphasizing the improvement of socioeconomic effects and productivity through participation in amateur athletics.
  • Financial stability, the increase of time for recreation, and the increasing interest in health have been rapidly changing the sports environment through a rapid increase in the national interest in recreational sports and an increase in the economic value of sports.

Country Insights

How Do Natural Islands Play A Crucial Role In Contributing To The South Korean Sports Tourism Market Growth?

“Infrastructural development in islands and countries like Jeju, Muju, etc. provided tremendous sports to sports tourism in South Korea.”

Jeju Islands

“Jeju Island has crafted sports tourism a centerpiece of its offerings.”

South Korea has many islands and islets, and one of the biggest is Jeju, which is a semi-tropical island off the south coast, formed by the ancient exploits of an immersed volcano. It is home ground to PGA standard golf courses and a first-class football stadium. However, nature remains the key attraction to adventure and health tourists.

The Jeju International Ironman Korea officially owned and conducted by the World Triathlon Council. Jeju promotes the South Korea sports tourism market. Due to the adrenaline adventurers, the island is a natural playground to scuba dive, paraglide, mountain bike, or backpack to the craters and lava streams.

Muju Islands

Muju is a county located in the central part of the South Korean Peninsula. In 2013, Taekwondo Park was set to open in Muju, and which was anticipated to be a modern world cultural heritage for Koreans and foreign sports enthusiasts. The park is constructed under Mount Base Kunsan in Muju, which is popular for the beautiful scenery of nine valleys.

Taekwondo Park

The Taekwondo Park is a huge sports village divided into three theme sectors: “Mind” dedicated to training with a multi-purpose stadium and World Taekwondo Academy; “Body”, referred to as a ‘space for experience', encompass, for example, a Taekwondo Exhibition Hall and a ‘World Taekwondo Village’; “Spirit” symbolize what the sport means to the home nation, but also sports individuals around the world and contain a “Hall of Honor”, “Water Terrace” and “Observatory”.

It is projected that the development of each of these islands and their associated projects is likely to promote South Korea sports tourism market expansion.

Category-wise Insights

Which Booking Channel is leading in the South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

“Online Booking is More Preferred by Sports Tourists.”

Since using an online booking or mobile application platform allows for a direct, hassle-free digital transaction, instant tracking, and increased security, tourists prefer online booking.

Online booking segment is expected to dominate the South Korea sports tourism market. Additionally, as people can use the internet to research and compare different holiday destinations, lodging options, dining options, and other factors, online booking is becoming more and more popular all over the world.

Which Age Group is leading in the South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

“Popularity of South Korea Tourism among Middle-aged People is expected to Remain High during the forecast period.”

In terms of age group, the number of tourists in the 26-35-year-old bracket is expected to rise significantly, since this demographic is more inclined to visit various tourist attractions and is more interested in seeing various adventure sites.

Consumers in this segment place a high value on recreational and adventure activities, such as exploring various islands, scuba diving, sightseeing, etc., and are inclined towards visiting popular sites as per the destination rankings. As a result, demand for sports tourism in South Korea is expanding.

Which Sport Is Popular In The South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

“Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea, but Football and Baseball are the most popular sports among the South Koreans.”

American missionaries brought baseball to South Korea in 1905, and since the sport has attracted a sizable following there. The country has one of the strongest teams in the world, and it frequently competes in the World Baseball Classic. The national league, the KBO League, is well-liked. Finest accomplishments include earning a bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics and making it to the 2002 FIFA World Cup semifinals.

How Competition Influences the South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

In order to diversify South Korea's sports tourism market offering and draw more travelers, travel companies working in the sports tourism sector seek strategic alliances and partnerships with other tour operators or travel agencies.

For instance:

During the 2018 Winter Olympics, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism opened the gates not only for the North Korean players, but for its country’s spectators as well.

Key Players

  • MyRealTrip
  • Tripstore
  • Creatrip
  • TNDN
  • Tripbtoz
  • OnlineTour
  • Discover Seoul Travel PASS
  • Incheon Tourism Organization
  • Halalroad
  • JEJU TOURISM ORGANIZATION
  • Ministry of Culture
  • Sports and Tourism
  • Super Bike Tour Seoul
  • Danyang Paragliding
  • Others.

Scope of Report

Attribute Details
Forecast Period 2022-2032
Historical Data Available for 2016-2021
Market Analysis US$ Million for Value
Key Region Covered EA (East Asia)
Key Countries Covered South Korea
Key Segments Covered Sports Type, Sports Tourism Type, Consumer Orientation, Booking Channel, Tourist Type, Tour Type, Age Group, and Region.
Key Companies Profiled MyRealTrip; Tripstore; Creatrip; TNDN; Tripbtoz; OnlineTour; Discover Seoul Travel PASS; Incheon Tourism Organization; Halalroad; JEJU TOURISM ORGANIZATION; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Super Bike Tour Seoul; Danyang Paragliding; Others
Report Coverage Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives

South Korea Sports Tourism Market by Category

By Sports Type:

  • Football/Soccer
  • Cricket
  • Motor sports
  • Basketball
  • Others

By Sports Tourism Type:

  • Sports Event Tourism
  • Nostalgia Sports Tourism
  • Active Sports Tourism
  • Passive Sports Tourism

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Children

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

  • Domestic
  • International

By Tour Type:

  • Independent Traveler
  • Tour Group
  • Package Traveler

By Age Group:

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Current South Korean Sports Tourism Market Value?

The South Korean sports tourism market is expected to reach a valuation of US$ 7152 million in 2022.

What is The Demand Outlook for the South Korea Sports Tourism Market?

The South Korea sports tourism market is projected to grow at a 6.5% CAGR over the forecast period.

What Are The Key Trends Driving South Korean Sports Tourism?

The growing popularity of various types of sports events, new tour launches, and customized tours are the South Korea sports tourism market key trends and opportunities.

At What Rate Did The South Korean Sports Tourism Market Grow between 2017 and 2021?

The South Korean sports tourism market grew at a rate of 6.0% CAGR between 2017 and 2021.

Table of Content

1. Executive Summary

    1.1. South Korea Sports Tourism Market Outlook

        1.1.1. Who Is Travelling?

        1.1.2. How Much Do They Spend?

        1.1.3. Direct Contribution of Tourism To GDP

        1.1.4. Direct Contribution of Tourism To Employment

    1.2. Sports Tourism Evolution Analysis

    1.3. FMI Analysis and Recommendations

2. Market Introduction

    2.1. Total Spending (US$ Mn) and Forecast (2022-2032)

    2.2. Number of Tourists (Mn) and Forecast (2022-2032)

    2.3. Total Spending Y-o-Y Growth Projections (2022-2032)

    2.4. Number of Tourists Y-o-Y Growth Projections

3. Sports Tourism Industry Analysis

    3.1. Sports Tourism Industry Overview

        3.1.1. Sports Tourism Industry Contribution to South Korea GDP

        3.1.2. Sports Tourism Sector Contribution to South Korea’s Overall Employment

        3.1.3. Impact of Covid-19

        3.1.4. Others

4. South Korea Sports Tourism Market Dynamics

    4.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities

        4.1.1. What are the key drivers leading to the development of sports tourism in South Korea?

        4.1.2. Policy R&D assists in exploring various new fields in the sports tourism industry.

        4.1.3. Others (during course study)

5. Market Background

    5.1. Macro-Economic Factors

        5.1.1. South Korea GDP Growth Outlook

        5.1.2. South Korea Industry Value Added

        5.1.3. Consumer Spending Outlook

        5.1.4. South Korea Direct contribution of Sports Tourism to GDP

        5.1.5. Internet Penetration Rates

        5.1.6. Capital Investment in Sports Tourism

    5.2. Forecast Factors - Relevance & Impact

6. Categorizing of South Korea Sports Tourism Market, 2021

    6.1. Introduction/ Key Findings

    6.2. Current Market Analysis by Sports Type

        6.2.1. Football/Soccer

        6.2.2. Cricket

        6.2.3. Motorsports

        6.2.4. Basketball

        6.2.5. Others

    6.3. Current Market Analysis by Tourism

        6.3.1. Sports Event Tourism

        6.3.2. Nostalgia Sports Tourism

        6.3.3. Active Sports Tourism

        6.3.4. Passive Sports Tourism

    6.4. Current Market Analysis by Tour Type

        6.4.1. Independent Traveller

        6.4.2. Tour Group

        6.4.3. Package Traveller

    6.5. Current Market Analysis by Consumer Orientation

        6.5.1. Men

        6.5.2. Women

        6.5.3. Children

    6.6. Current Market Analysis by Age Group

        6.6.1. 15-25 Years

        6.6.2. 26-35 Years

        6.6.3. 36-45 Years

        6.6.4. 46-55 Years

        6.6.5. 66-75 Years

    6.7. Current Market Analysis by Booking Channel

        6.7.1. Phone Booking

        6.7.2. Online Booking

        6.7.3. In-Person Booking

7. Social Media Sentimental Analysis

    7.1. Social Media Platforms Preferred

            7.1.1.1. Facebook

            7.1.1.2. YouTube

            7.1.1.3. Instagram

            7.1.1.4. Twitter

            7.1.1.5. LinkedIn

            7.1.1.6. Pinterest

            7.1.1.7. Google+

            7.1.1.8. Others

    7.2. Consumer Perception for Destinations On Social Media Platforms-Positive and Negative Mentions

    7.3. Trending #Hashtags

    7.4. Social Media Platform Mentions (% of Total Mentions)

    7.5. Region-Wise Social Media Mentions (% of Total Mentions)

    7.6. Trending Subject Titles

8. Competition Analysis

    8.1. Competition Dashboard

    8.2. Pricing Analysis by Competition

    8.3. Competition Benchmarking

    8.4. Competition Deep Dive

        8.4.1. MyRealTrip

            8.4.1.1. Overview

            8.4.1.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.1.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.1.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.1.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.1.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.1.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.1.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.2. Tripstore

            8.4.2.1. Overview

            8.4.2.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.2.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.2.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.2.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.2.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.2.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.2.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.3. Creatrip

            8.4.3.1. Overview

            8.4.3.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.3.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.3.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.3.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.3.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.3.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.3.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.4. TNDN

            8.4.4.1. Overview

            8.4.4.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.4.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.4.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.4.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.4.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.4.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.4.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.5. Tripbtoz

            8.4.5.1. Overview

            8.4.5.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.5.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.5.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.5.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.5.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.5.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.5.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.6. OnlineTour

            8.4.6.1. Overview

            8.4.6.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.6.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.6.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.6.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.6.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.6.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.6.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.7. Discover Seoul Travel PASS

            8.4.7.1. Overview

            8.4.7.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.7.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.7.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.7.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.7.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.7.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.7.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.8. Incheon Tourism Organization

            8.4.8.1. Overview

            8.4.8.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.8.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.8.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.8.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.8.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.8.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.8.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.9. Halalroad

            8.4.9.1. Overview

            8.4.9.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.9.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.9.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.9.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.9.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.9.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.9.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.10. JEJU TOURISM ORGANIZATION

            8.4.10.1. Overview

            8.4.10.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.10.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.10.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.10.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.10.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.10.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.10.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.11. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

            8.4.11.1. Overview

            8.4.11.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.11.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.11.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.11.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.11.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.11.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.11.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.12. Super Bike Tour Seoul

            8.4.12.1. Overview

            8.4.12.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.12.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.12.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.12.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.12.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.12.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.12.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.13. Danyang Paragliding

            8.4.13.1. Overview

            8.4.13.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.13.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.13.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.13.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.13.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.13.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.13.5.3. Channel Strategy

        8.4.14. Others (As per request)

            8.4.14.1. Overview

            8.4.14.2. Product Portfolio

            8.4.14.3. Profitability by Market Segments (Product/Channel/Region)

            8.4.14.4. Sales Footprint

            8.4.14.5. Strategy Overview

                8.4.14.5.1. Marketing Strategy

                8.4.14.5.2. Product Strategy

                8.4.14.5.3. Channel Strategy

9. Assumptions and Acronyms Used

10. Research Methodology

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